Bertha F Borntreger

Bertha F. Borntreger, age 95 passed peacefully from this earth on March 1, 2026, in Tulsa, Oklahoma. She was born on December 13, 1930, in Washington Township, Iowa.

Bertha was born into an Amish community to her natural parents, Chris Borntreger and Fanny Schrock and at an early age given to another family to be raised by Moses F. Miller and Fanny (Yoder) Miller where she was also blessed to have adoptive brothers and a sister that loved her and influenced her upbringing.

Bertha had a heart for caring for others and worked as a nurse for many years, serving those in need with compassion and dedication. She also loved gardening and took great joy in growing her own vegetables, which she faithfully canned and preserved to use for the many Amish influenced meals she prepared for her family and friends over the years. Above all she treasured being a mother and homemaker.

Faith was the foundation of Bertha's life. She was a devoted Christian whose faith and love for God guided the way she lived, cared for others, and supported her family throughout the years. She raised her children with knowledge of God's Biblical truths and obedience to His Word as a way of life to live by.

Bertha married Eddie N. Borntreger while still part of the Amish community in 1950. They greatly appreciated the life the Amish community had provided for them, but they desired a higher spiritual knowledge and relationship with their Maker. Bertha often laughed when she shared the story with her family about how she and Eddie eventually transitioned into the Mennonite church and lifestyle. Knowing that if they announced their transitioning plans too soon they would immediately be ostracized and shunned, they had to plan carefully. They purchased their very first car, hand-painted it black and hid it in the bushes so it would not be discovered. They would use the car at night only to avoid being detected as they would sneak out to visit a tent service and other Mennonite churches in town. In later years Eddie and Bertha would also step away from the Mennonite community to continue on their spiritual journey. Bertha never wavered in her Christian faith and remained devoted to God throughout her life.

She was preceded in death by her husband, Eddie N. Borntreger; her daughter, Frances M. Borntreger; her natural parents, Chris Borntreger and Fanny; her adoptive family, Moses F. Miller and Fanny and her siblings, John M., Jonathan M., Elizabeth M. Noah M., Joseph M. and Cornelius.

Bertha leaves behind a loving family who will carry on her memory: her daughter, Bobbi E. Borntreger-Drew; her son, Freeman Borntreger; her granddaughter, Angelea C. Smith-Swift; and her great granddaughter, Nikole C. Swift-Shook. Also remaining are nieces: Mabel Schrock-Graber; Loretta Schrock-Wagler and nephews, LeRoy Schrock, Orva Schrock, Clemens Schrock and Raymond Schrock; and all her friends in Ferrum and Rocky Mount, Virginia, whose lives were touched by her friendship, faith and generous spirit.

Bertha will be remembered for her strong faith, loving heart, vibrant personality and her lifelong dedication to God, family and community. Her legacy lives on in the lives she touched, the meals she shared, the gardens she tended, and the love she freely shared.

A graveside service will be held on Friday, March 13, 2026 at 2:00p.m. at Memorial Park Cemetery.

Services have been entrusted to Simplicity Burial and Oklahoma Cremation Centers.